Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani (32) achieved the longest consecutive-game on-base streak by an Asian player in major league history, alongside Choo Shin-soo.
Ohtani started as the No. 1 designated hitter in the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, on the 21st (Korea time) and went 1-for-4 with two walks, two runs and one stolen base.
Leading off the top of the first inning, Ohtani reached base on a throwing error by the pitcher. He then successfully stole second base, but the following hitters did not produce a hit and it did not result in a run.
Also leading off the third inning, Ohtani faced Colorado left-handed starter José Quintana and lined Quintana's fifth pitch, a 86.2 mph (138.7 km) changeup, for a clean hit. With that hit, Ohtani extended his on-base streak to 52 games. He matched the 52-game streak set by Choo Shin-soo (then with Texas) in 2018.
Ohtani went on to draw two more walks and finish with three times on base. The Dodgers won 12-3, snapping a two-game losing streak.
Major League Baseball's official site MLB.com said, "Ohtani moved one step closer to a team record. In the game against Colorado, he hit a ball off Quintana for a hit to reach base in 52 consecutive games and solidified his hold on the club's third-place on-base streak." Above Ohtani on the Dodgers' list are only Shawn Green with 53 games in 2000 and Duke Snider with 58 games in 1954. The major league record is 84 consecutive games on base, set by Ted Williams in 1949.
Since his major league debut, Ohtani has claimed many of Babe Ruth's marks as his own, and he has surpassed Ruth once again. Ruth had a 51-game on-base streak in 1923, which Ohtani exceeded this time.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, "It's ironic that two two-way players and perhaps the two greatest players ever are meeting on the leaderboard. It's truly an amazing record. Getting on base is difficult in itself, and it's even harder when everyone is focusing their attention on him. This record is one of the great ones, and I hope he keeps it going," marveling at Ohtani's performance.<
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